Exploring history while camping!

There are so many things in life that challenge us daily. Camping is perceived as a challenge and it's really not.
I am disappointed that more of us don't do it.  Camping is worth it!! 
We're back in the Low Country islands of the Gullah Geechee People (St. Helena S.C).  and this time we are joined by our family. Whom we haven't been camping with for many years. Our first night was a long one! Filled with laughter and joy which lasted into the wee hours of the morning. I am always amazed at the level of relaxation I'm able to achieve while camping. I am generally a bit hyper and tend to keep moving until it's time for me to sleep, but in the woods my body slows down and I find that I can become still and take in all the beauty of my surroundings. 
Here in the South Carolina islands there is much to see and do. First the beauty of palm trees and live oaks with their Spanish moss blowing in the warm tropical breeze. With the ocean warm and inviting.  
The sand dunes are filled with loggerhead turtle nests, and are preparing for there journey to the sea.
Long stretches of soft sand, perfect for romantic walks or morning runs if your so inclined. 
And there is the rich Gullah history here and the basket weavers who still use their talent that was passed down to them from the ancestors.
St. Helena Island is one place everyone of us should visit, and making it a camping excursion is the way to go in my book. So unplug and let your body and soul take in all that these beautiful islands have to offer.
Also make sure that you visit Hunting Island State Park with it's beautiful beach and lighthouse.

Have school rules gone to far? (boy gets suspended for camping utensil)

Has political correctness gone too far?
This is the story of a six year old who loves to camp, and took his camping knife( the kind with a fork and spoon) to school to eat lunch. This little boy loves camping so much he eats meals at home with it.

Now he is suspended and faces reform school.

Nature is so lacking in society today. Are the people who make these types of decisions lacking a understanding of nature? Could he be a future science teacher ?

Teachers and school administrators need the flexibility to judge a situation on it's on merit.

Not just a one size fits all or zero tolerance for this type of infraction. We understand the need for safety in our schools.

Here's a quote from the article on msnbc,

"Zachary was suspended immediately for five school days. At the end of the suspension, he and his mother appeared before the district’s disciplinary action committee, where his principal and others spoke up for his good character. It didn’t matter. The committee’s hands were tied. The rules said he had brought a knife to school and would have to spend 45 days in the reform school."

The national publicity seems to be making inroads. Now the school board says it may rescind that policy. let's hope that they do. 

 

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Here's another example of going to far, from Fox News

A 17-year-old Eagle Scout in upstate New York has been barred from stepping foot on school grounds for 20 days — for keeping a 2-inch pocketknife locked in a survival kit in his car.
Let's try to encourage the love of the outdoors and nature in our children.


The Camping Consultants

Summers End

The last official holiday of the summer was busy and great fun!

We had two groups camp with us. The first group was a single mom and her son, who brought along a friend. All were first time campers. 

We sent her a Camping in color checklist to help her get organized. And to our delight, she showed up fully prepared. 

It always gives me a charge, watching the reaction of newcomers and seeing their faces light up with surprise and amazement. Watching families sharing true time together is priceless!

We left Friday night even though driving at night isn't as enjoyable as it once was.

But waking up on Saturday morning with the view of the lake and birds singing is always worth it. 

The morning view! 

Leaving on Friday, gave us a few hours alone before our guest arrive at noon. The boys age 13 and 14 showed up with a football and a PlayStation. Our site was large enough for them to throw the football around.

Then it was time to set up their sleeping quarters, We showed them how to pitch a tent and secure it properly. Remember this was their first time camping, they were amazed at how fast and easy setting up could be and it went well.
Then they were off swimming, fishing and boating. The Psp was never used that weekend, We offered a evening movie, which was turned down. Instead they roasted marshmallows and made smores, sat by the fire until late that evening and had to drag themselves to bed. The mom reported that her son wants to camp again, and his friend who wasn't a water person came to appreciate the lake and the outdoors.


The second group arrived shortly after the first group left that Sunday evening. Another mom and her daughter bringing with them two young girls. Fortunately they arrived just before sunset, and the girls immediately began swimming until dusk.


The moon was almost full, and the sky bright, a perfect time for a walk to star gaze.
The girls were nervous at first about walking without flashlights turned on in an unfamiliar setting.
Watching them explore their world by night gives further proof to the power of camping. After returning to our campsite we made smores. The Girls choose to watch a bedtime movie, which ended up watching them sleep. 

A morning swim is a favorite way to start the day, Our girls thought so too!
But they made it an all day affair. We always take along goggles and floats to add to the fun. The mom confessed that she thought three girls would be a great deal of work for her, but as they played in the lake all day (in life jackets). Finding treasures, riding the waves from passing boats. Mom realized just how easy camping can be. She sat near the waters edge under a beach umbrella catching up on some reading and the natural beauty.
Until next time. 
We would love to hear from you, comment on this page or drop us a email.

The Camping Consultants

Camping Inspiration

Swimming lessons with the neighborhood children

We want to tell you about our last camping trip.
In some ways it is what inspired us to write this blog.
Over the years we have introduced many people to camping.
But this most recent group has been notable.  
The variety of ages, ethnicity and social diversities.
We found the experience moving.

When we go camping we like to book in advance.
Doing so allows you to camp at a water front site.
Having a waterfront site is like being at your own exclusive beach.

It started as a week alone, just us two for five days.
we walked trails every morning with our dog.
Then came back, made coffee and took a morning swim in the lake.

This time we wanted to try something different, we wanted to catch stripper bass.
Usually we fish for whatever jumps on the hook. (lol)
So we purchased an umbrella rig and jig setup, and went trolling.

(click on the link for a look at the rig setup).
Trolling is when you are pulling bait (artificial or live) through the water slowly.
To our surprise, we caught two nice size striper bass in a short amount of time.
Now that was a great day!
It didn't matter to us if any other fish were caught for the remaining days.
What excitement!
The rig setup worked just like on tv without the edits.
Our fishing needs were met!

With all the places we could go, who would have guessed
that spending twenty two dollars a night.
So close to home, would fulfill our needs.
An entire week spent on on the lake.
No television other than a movie night.
No cell phone signal other than text messages.
No restaurants.
Just us and all the natural beauty that nature has to offer.

The week ended with a group camping outing.
Spanning four sites including our own. Twelve adults, eight kids,and four dogs.
Not to mention those who came down for the day.
The children swimming all day. While others spent time catching fish.
The ones who couldn't swim were introduced to a new experience, they had to be forced to leave the water to eat.
Some rode bikes while others hiked the trails.
By this time in the trip, we were content with basking in the sun, while taking in the view of the lake.
After a full week we returned home feeling refreshed and renewed, with a great time had by all.

Our next camping outing is all set for the labor day holiday.
Look for a lot more information on ways to make your camping experience a trip to remember.

The Camping Consultants®